Nair released Pistorius on bail after deciding the defendant was neither a flight risk nor violent, and the decision would not cause public outrage.

Other conditions of his bail are that he must surrender all his firearms until the end of the trial, must not contact the prosecution's witnesses and must not consume drugs or alcohol.

Pistorius has also been banned from contacting the residents of the estate he lived in when Steenkamp was shot.

He will now be placed under supervision of a parole officer and a correctional official, and must be available day or night to speak with either of them.

Truth will prevail

Weeklyreports on the blade runner must be submitted, including information about his emotional state.

He must also agree to consult with health care providers if it is deemed necessary.

Pistorius is not allowed to leave Pretoria without consent from the parole officer, and the athlete must not enter an airport or any area that would allow him to travel internationally. He has also had to hand in his passport and any travel documents until the trial ends.

Nair asked him if he understood the conditions, to which Pistorius responded "yes your worship" - the only words he has spoken in court today.

After the judge granted Pistorius bail, his brother Carl said the runner is "relieved". He told reporter Aislinn Laing: "I'm relieved but it's a long road ahead."

His uncle Arnold said the family knows Pistorius' version of events of what happened that night are accurate, adding that they are sure the "truth will prevail" in court.

The family said that while they are relieved, they are also still in mourning.